Mary Kae Owens, age 67, of Flora, Illinois, peacefully passed away Friday night, February 21, 2025, at her home.

      She was born April 6, 1957, in Flora, the daughter of Wayne and Ollie Magdeline (Perry) Krutsinger.  On October 24, 2005, Mary Kae married Russell Wayne Owens in Flora, and together they shared 19 wonderful years of love and partnership.

      A proud veteran, Mary Kae served honorably in the U.S. Army.  She had worked at Sparton Manufacturing and Hella before her retirement in 2010.  Family was the cornerstone of her life—she lovingly created a wall of photos of her grandkids that warmed her heart every day.  She was deeply rooted in her faith, and in recent years, Mary Kae enjoyed following Harvester Christian Church in St. Charles, Missouri, where her son Nikomas serves as pastor.

      Mary Kae was also immensely proud of her Native American heritage. She embraced this legacy through her skillful beadwork, crafting beautiful earrings, headbands, and other traditional tribal pieces. She found joy in reading, playing pool, fishing, and hunting arrowheads, and was a longtime fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.

      She is survived by her husband, Wayne Owens of Flora; 4 children: Ryanzo (Brittany) Perez of Moscow Mills, Missouri, Nikomas (Rachel) Perez of St. Charles, Missouri, Sky (Erika) Perez of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and Maria (Jamie) Farmer of Hord; 18 grandchildren: Autumn, Lucas, Ashlynn, Ara, Ben, Chase, Ayden, Walter, Amelia, Harry, Cody, Chelsea, Mackenzie, Destiny, Paige, Kaeli, Lexi, and Jaysen; 4 great-grandchildren: Ariel, Zalina, Charlotte, Carter; 1 great-grandchild on the way; 4 siblings: Richard (Chun) Krutsinger of Flora, Larry (Frances) Krutsinger of Alabama, Mike Krutsinger of Flora, and Kelly Krutsinger Garrett;  her Butte Tribe sisters: Estella Almond and Judy Almond; and many nieces and nephews.

      She was preceded in passing by her parents and a sister-in-law: Connie Krutsinger.

      A memorial visitation will be held from 3 until 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora, with Military Funeral Honors to be presented beginning at 3 p.m.  Family and friends are invited to share memories and reflections at any time during the visitation in celebration of Mary Kae’s life.  Memorial donations are welcomed to help support the family with expenses.  To share a condolence or memory online, please visit www.frankandbright.com